Hospice achieved full palliative care accreditation in August and opened its new premises on 22 October. The Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa’s (COHSASA) validation made this the seventh accredited site among Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) members and the fifth in the Western Cape.
Recognising compliance with stringent patient-safety and clinical-care standards, it follows an external quality improvement process. General Manager Fran Tong said the achievement reflected excellent governance, compassion, professionalism and commitment of the board, staff and volunteers. Patient-care manager Sister Esme Potgieter described staff members as the organisation’s greatest asset.
The milestone marks another chapter in a journey that began in July 2006 in a small office in 10 Royal Street, donated by businessman Dawie Bothma. The first nursing sister, Gerna van Liebenberg, was appointed in January 2007, and by February there was caring for nine patients with life-threatening illnesses.
Hospice’s first shop in 2007 was a garage in Aberdeen Street, which provided income. Fundraising, community generosity and volunteers’ efforts, including the Lighthouse-to-Lighthouse Ladies, enabled securing its Hope Street home in 2009 and the Aberdeen Street shop building in 2013. In 2020, Hospice acquired the neighbouring Hermanus Times property to consolidate operations and provide storage. Construction of the building, known as ‘The Chapel’, began in January 2024. New offices followed in October last year. Both were officially handed over in July this year.
Hospice provides pain and symptom management, psychosocial support and collaborative care for patients and their families, and is supported by a community that has helped turn a modest beginning into a modern complex. For enquiries, phone 028 312 4679 or email pcadmin@overstrandhospice.org.
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